State, Baltimore County new school superintendents begin 1st day on job

Dr. Lillian Lowery vows to keep Maryland No. 1-ranked system in the nation

UPDATED 8:26 PM EDT Jul 02, 2012

BALTIMORE -

Monday was the first official day on the job for two of Maryland's new school superintendents.

Dr. Lillian Lowery began her tenure as Maryland's new state school superintendent. In addition, Dr. Dallas Dance took over the helm at Baltimore County Schools.

11 News reporter Tim Tooten said both leaders realize they're taking over the reins at a time when public education is a very hot topic.

Even so, both were ready to capitalize on the momentum that change can bring. Lowery has been focused on her commitment to keep Maryland the No. 1-ranked education system in the nation.

"There's always room for improvement. So it is a matter of meeting with people, talking with people and trying to focus in on those targeted areas. We really need to have that laser-like focus on improvement and capitalize on those things that work really well across the state and replicating that where we can," said Lowery.

To do so, Lowery said she'll spend the next month or so visiting all 24 local school districts.

"I have a great map, I have GPS and I have some staff that's going to be out there helping to lead the way," she said.

Dance is employing a similar approach.

"It's important to me that the 'meats and potatoes' really revolve around listening and learning," he said.

Tooten said listening to students took up Dance's first day on the job.

"They indicated what they felt was working and was not working, some of the things they felt were going to be challenges for me and some advice. I ended it with that forum. The biggest advice was to work on the cafeteria food," said Dance.

Dance's 3-year-old son helped shape his view on education.

"I always thought I had a sense of urgency before he was born, but when he was born I think I became reasonably impatient because everyone needs to make sure that everyone's child is getting the same level of education we want for our own kids. So education is changing; we have to make sure we adapt with the times, too," he said.

That's why you can expect a high-tech superintendent -- one who's already tweeting on the job, said Tooten.